Washington Respiratory Therapist Licensing Guide

Washington Respiratory Therapist License Overview

We have not found an interstate compact that covers Respiratory Therapists in Washington. Plan on meeting Washington's own requirements before you practice there.

How to Get a Washington Respiratory Therapist License by Endorsement

Washington uses an online portal endorsement process for Respiratory Therapists already licensed in another state. You'll need to submit your completed application along with supporting documents and the $140 application fee.

1. Submit endorsement application via Washington board portal
2. Request license verification from current state (via NBRC or direct) (can run concurrently)
3. Complete any state-specific requirements (background check, etc.) (can run concurrently)
4. Await board review and license issuance

License verification: Direct state-to-state verification form sent by each prior credentialing jurisdiction; NBRC verification only applies if the applicant is using the National Certification route (separate from endorsement of an out-of-state license). Request verification early so your application is not delayed.

Background check: Fingerprint-based national background check (Washington State Patrol + FBI) required for out-of-state applicants. Submit your fingerprinting authorization as early as possible.

Check the Washington State Department of Health - Respiratory Care Practitioner Program (Health Systems Quality Assurance) website for status updates on your application.

Washington Respiratory Therapist License Fees

Travelers should factor these licensing costs into their assignment budgeting.

Washington Temporary Respiratory Therapist License

Washington issues temporary respiratory therapy licenses, allowing Respiratory Therapists to begin practicing while their permanent endorsement application is being processed. For travelers, this is often the fastest path to starting an assignment.

Eligibility requirements:

• Current valid Respiratory Therapist license in another US state or Washington
• Completed endorsement application submitted to Washington board
• Proof of NBRC certification or equivalent professional credential
• Written verification directly from every state where you are or were licensed that you have or had a license in good standing and are not subject to charges or disciplinary action for unprofessional conduct or impairment

Issuance timeline:

• Complete endorsement application received by board
• License verification from previous state received and validated
• Applicant demonstrates active practice in previous jurisdiction

Denial risks:

• The department finds a basis for denial of the license or for issuance of a conditional license
• Revocation or surrender of license in previous state
• False or incomplete information on endorsement application

Important for travelers: The temporary permit expires when the department issues a license, when the department starts an investigation, or after 180 days, whichever comes first. Temporary license expires if permanent endorsement is denied; no extension is granted. Engaging in unlicensed practice outside scope of temporary license authorization can trigger immediate revocation. If temporary license holder commits reportable offense during validity period, revocation may occur before permanent license decision is made.

Washington Respiratory Therapist License Processing Time

Washington Respiratory Therapist endorsement applications typically take 4-8 weeks to process.

In the best-case scenario, processing can be as fast as 3–4 weeks (if all documents complete, background check clears immediately, and application hits next board batch).

Common sources of delay:

• Board processes applications in batches; applications submitted after the cutoff may wait 4–6 weeks for next review cycle
• License verification from previous state via NBRC or direct board request can add 1–3 weeks if the originating state is slow to respond
• Background check processing (state-specific requirement) can add 2–4 weeks if flagged for manual review
• Missing or incomplete continuing education documentation from previous licensure period triggers requests for clarification, adding 1–2 weeks

We have not found an expedited processing option on the Washington State Department of Health - Respiratory Care Practitioner Program's site. The best way to minimize your wait time is to ensure all application components — fingerprints, verification, and any required exams — are completed before or immediately after submitting your application.

Washington Respiratory Therapist Continuing Education

Washington requires 30 contact hours of continuing education every 2 years for Respiratory Therapist license renewal (from our records; confirm with the board).

Washington Respiratory Therapist License Renewal

• Renewal cycle: Every 2 years — $110
• Renewal timing: Prior to license holder's birth date.

Washington Licensing Board and Resources

Washington State Department of Health - Respiratory Care Practitioner Program (Health Systems Quality Assurance)

Board Website · Application Portal · License Verification